NORFOLK, VA -- The Princeton Tigers opened up their 2004 campaign by registering runs in all but three innings and cranking out 20 hits as they defeated the Old Dominion Monarchs (6-7) in the first of a three-game series, 14-8, Friday afternoon at the Bud Metheny Baseball Complex.

Old Dominion ace Justin Verlander (Goochland, VA) picked up the loss tossing five innings, allowing 11 hits and eight earned runs, while striking out nine Tiger batters. Princeton took advantage of a stiff wind out the field early, taking two of Verlander's pitches outside the fence. With two outs in the top of the first, centerfielder BJ Szymanski hit a solo shot to center, while three batters later, rightfielder Andrew Salini hit a three run shot to left to put the Tigers up 4-0.

After keeping Princeton off the scoreboard in the second, the Monarchs put up a run in the bottom of the second with a Justin Gregula (Washington, PA) single to left field to score rightfielder Steven Harris (Va. Beach, VA) from second base. However, Princeton proceeded to score at least one run in the following innings until Monarch relief pitchers Hunter Hall (Va. Beach, VA) and Joseph Johannes (Va. Beach, VA) silenced the Tiger bats in the top of the eighth and ninth allowing just three hits in the final two innings.

Old Dominion ignited for four runs on three hits in the bottom of the sixth to close the gap to 11-6. Harris recorded his first home run of the season with two Monarchs on and third baseman Allen Strick (Glen Burnie, MD) reaching home after a wild pitch with the bases loaded.

Harris finished the afternoon going 3-for-4 for the Monarchs with two runs and five RBI's. Designated hitter, sophomore Dana Arrowood (Woodbridge, VA), ended the game 2-for-4 with two runs scored.

Preseason Ivy League Player of the year Ross Ohlendorf tossed five innings, allowing five hits and two earned runs while striking out nine Monarchs at the plate to earn his first win of the 2004 season. Verlander fell to 1-2 on the year.

The Monarchs return to action tomorrow in the second set of a three game series against the Tigers. First pitch is at 1:00 p.m.